At Year’s End: Reflections & Resolutions Blues
It takes a conscious effort to reflect, to give oneself grace, and to cultivate the right headspace and mindset to begin a new year with promise and intention. So, that is what I am doing, and I would love for you to join me in this endeavor. I’m giving myself seven consecutive evenings at seven p.m. to breath, meditate, and complete some written reflection. It would be more fun and meaningful if you joined me and better yet, bring friends.
Hope and Christmas Miracles: A Four-Pointed Spruce & A Flock of Bluebirds
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."~ Albert Einstein Yesterday my son Jacob and his girlfriend Isabel flew into Boston from Phoenix. We waited until they arrived to visit...
Brushstrokes to Bliss: Discovering Creative Freedom through Expressive and Therapeutic Arts
Want more play and joy in life? Want to tap into your inner knowing or intuition? Do you have some emotions to connect with and release? Expressive arts might be a great mindfulness practice for you. As a former middle school teacher and a mindfulness and creative...
How to Know the Beauty & Power of a Women’s Circle
The first women’s mindfulness circle gathered at the Barred Owl on October 28th under the full moon. While I have held countless circles for college students, I have never convened a women’s circle before. Being in the company of women in this way was a privilege and...
What Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, Can Do for You
Benefits & How To Forest Bathe at Barred Owl Retreat Forest Bathe Chicken Meditation Tomorrow, at Donker Farm with the Greater Worcester Land Trust, I will read a children's book I wrote with the owner of the farm, Elisabeth Donker, and I will lead flower...
Mantras & Affirmations: Doggon It, Get Your Stuart Smalley On!
“I’m good enough; I’m smart enough, and doggon it, people like me,” simpered the host of Daily Affirmation, Stuart Smalley. A classic. These Al Franken bits on SNL poked fun at the method used and adopted by the New Thought movement in the 1800’s, by Mary Baker...
7 Reasons to Tie Your Mindfulness Practice to Your Ritual of Bathing
At Clark University where I teach, I often field media request regarding mindfulness. I’m not sure who asked for this, where or if this contribution was ultimately published, but I thought I’d share with you my thoughts on the...
Setting A Morning Intention
Morning Mindfulness Practice:Set a Daily Intention On waking, stay still and relaxed. Close your eyes and connect with the sensations of the body. Take thee long deep breaths through the nose into the belly, and let them out with an audible sigh. Ask yourself: “What...
What’s the Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation?
I often get asked about the difference between mindfulness and meditation. Sometimes, my college students worry about taking my course, Mindful Choices, because they envision us sitting on cushions and meditating together for...